Library Instruction

Instruction & Information Literacy at Decker Library

Instruction & Information Literacy at Decker Library: Empowering Learners

"When education is the practice of freedom, students are not the only ones who are asked to share, to confess."  - bell hooks, Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom

At Decker Library, our instruction program is more than just teaching how to find information. It's about fostering information literacy, inclusivity, and interdisciplinarity. Here's how we approach this vital aspect of education:

Our Commitment to Information Literacy

Drawing heavily upon the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy, we strive to empower students with the skills and understanding to navigate the complex world of information. Information literacy is not just about locating information but critically evaluating and using it responsibly.

Inclusive and Interdisciplinary Practices

Inspired by principles such as critical librarianship, the Inclusive Pedagogy Framework, pedagogy of vulnerability, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), we are committed to:

  • Inclusivity: Creating an environment where all students feel welcome and supported.
  • Interdisciplinarity: Bridging various disciplines to provide a well-rounded perspective.
  • Accessibility: Promoting an open, accessible, and inclusive academic environment at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).

Our Program Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes include knowledge, skills, and attitudes/values.

Search and Organize: 

  • PLO 1: Students will be able to search for appropriate information and organize their research as needed.
  • PLO2: Students will be able to identify core concepts, keywords, and subject headings for discovery of relevant information.  

Evaluate and Analyze: 

  • PLO 3: Students will be able to develop an effective search strategy, modify their topic and search terms when necessary, and ask for help when needed.
  • PLO 4: Students will be able to evaluate authors and information sources for authority, relevance, purpose, and bias in context.  

Synthesize and Create:  

  • PLO 5: Students will be able to explore ideas, test topics, and refine a research question in context.
  • PLO 6: Students will be able to synthesize and contextualize information alone and in groups.